Page 419 - Lonely Planet France’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

¨ Mobile phones may be used only if equipped
with a hands-free kit or speakerphone. FUEL
¨ Turning right on a red light is illegal. Essence (petrol), also known as carburant
¨ All vehicles driven in France must carry a (fuel), costs around €1.28 per litre for 95
high-visibility reflective safety vest (stored unleaded (Sans Plomb 95 or SP95, usually
available from a green pump) and €1 to
inside the vehicle, not in the trunk/boot), a €1.30 for diesel (diesel, gazole or gasoil,
reflective triangle, and a portable, single-use usually available from a yellow pump).
breathalyser kit. Check and compare current prices coun-
trywide at www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr.
Filling up (faire le plein) is most expen-
PARKING sive at autoroute rest stops, and usually
cheapest at hypermarkets.
In city centres, most on-the-street parking Many small petrol stations close on Sun-
places are payant (metered) from about day afternoons and, even in cities, it can be
9am to 7pm (sometimes with a break from hard to find a staffed station open late at
noon to 2pm) Monday to Saturday, except night. In general, after-hours purchases (eg
bank holidays. at hypermarkets’ fully automatic, 24-hour
stations) can only be made with a credit France Driving guiDe PARKING

Driving Problem-Buster

I can’t speak French; will that be a problem? While it’s preferable to learn some
French before travelling, French road signs are mostly of the ‘international sym-
bol’ variety, and English is increasingly spoken among the younger generation.
What should I do if my car breaks down? Safety first: turn on your flashers,
put on a safety vest (legally required, and provided in rental-car glove compart-
ments) and place a reflective triangle (also legally required) 30m to 100m behind
your car to warn approaching motorists. Call for emergency assistance (%112) or
walk to the nearest orange roadside call box (placed every 2km along French au-
toroutes). If renting a vehicle, your car-hire company’s service number may help
expedite matters. If travelling in your own car, verify before leaving home whether
your local auto club has reciprocal roadside-assistance arrangements in France.
What if I have an accident? For minor accidents you’ll need to fill out a constat
amiable d’accident (accident statement, typically provided in rental-car glove
compartments) and report the accident to your insurance and/or rental-car
company. If necessary, contact the police (%17).
What should I do if I get stopped by the police? Show your passport (or EU
national ID card), licence and proof of insurance.
What’s the speed limit in France and how is it enforced? Speed limits (indi-
cated by a black-on-white number inside a red circle) range from 30km/h in small
towns to 130km/h on the fastest autoroutes. If the motorbike police pull you over,
they’ll fine you on the spot or direct you to the nearest gendarmerie to pay. If
you’re caught by a speed camera (placed at random intervals along French high-
ways), the ticket will be sent to your rental-car agency, which will bill your credit
card, or to your home address if you’re driving your own vehicle. Fines depend on
how much you’re over the limit.
How do French tolls work? Many French autoroutes charge tolls. Take a ticket
from the machine upon entering the highway and pay as you exit. Some exit
booths are staffed by people; others are automated and will accept only chip-
and-PIN credit cards or coins.

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